Chapter 506

Evelyn Sinclair froze at the venomous words.

Her expression remained eerily calm, but the ice in her gaze could have frozen hell itself.

She turned slowly, eyeing Victoria Ashford like she was watching a deranged woman unravel in real time.

Pathetic. Not only did the woman lack class—she lacked basic intelligence.

Bennett, ever vigilant, moved to open the door, his concern evident.

Evelyn's voice dripped with disdain. "My fault?"

Victoria sniffled, her crocodile tears glistening under the harsh lights.

Evelyn had zero patience for theatrics.

"If wealth is a crime, then I'm the most wicked sinner alive." Her smile was razor-sharp. "Leave. Now. Or I'll make sure Ashford Group loses every last one of its partners. Care to test me?"

Her tone was honey-sweet, but the threat was pure venom.

Fear finally flickered in Victoria's eyes. Her act hadn’t fooled Nathan. It hadn’t fooled Penelope. Did she really think Evelyn would fall for it?

Bennett stepped forward. "President Sinclair, the European division head is requesting an urgent video conference. Shall I connect you?"

Evelyn gave a curt nod and turned away.

Bennett shot Victoria a look, silently summoning security to escort her out.

The threat still ringing in her ears, Victoria scurried out of Sterling Enterprises like a kicked dog.

For days afterward, Ashford Group scrambled to salvage their partnership with Sterling Enterprises.

Evelyn barely glanced at the reports.

Then came Ethan Caldwell's birthday.

Adrian Blackwood had organized a lavish celebration, and Evelyn was among the first invited.

When she arrived at the exclusive Celestial Club, the party was already in full swing—music pulsing, drinks flowing, laughter echoing.

She exchanged greetings effortlessly. These were her people. No awkwardness, no pretense.

Ethan spotted her immediately, his grin widening.

The crowd erupted into cheers and whistles.

Evelyn spun the car keys around her finger before tossing them to him. "Happy birthday."

Ethan caught them mid-air, eyebrows lifting. "Could’ve just wired me ten million."

Typical Evelyn. Extravagant to a fault.

"Cash lacks sentiment," she countered.

Ethan opened his mouth to retort—then froze when he noticed Evelyn stiffen.

Her entire body went rigid as her gaze locked onto someone across the room.

"What the hell?" she muttered. "Why is he here?"

Nathan Blackwood.

At Ethan’s birthday party.

Ethan groaned. "Adrian invited him."

He’d been trying to warn her.

Evelyn scoffed. Had she known, she would’ve sent Bennett with the gift instead.

Just as disgust coiled in her stomach, Nathan started toward her.

No hesitation.

Instinctively, Evelyn reached for Ethan’s arm—only for Adrian to materialize out of nowhere and yank Ethan away.

"Ethan! Your fans demand a birthday song!" Adrian winked at Evelyn over his shoulder. "You’re on your own, Nikki."

Evelyn glared daggers at his retreating back.

Traitor.

She spun on her heel, ready to storm out—

And collided with "Nathan Blackwood."

Her breath hitched—until she registered the subtle differences.

Xavier Delmont.

The relief was instant.

In a tailored suit, he was Nathan’s mirror image—but where Nathan moved with lethal grace, Xavier’s presence was softer.

That untouchable arrogance? Impossible to replicate.